SAS Tobie (P1552)

SAS Toby (P1552) Story

The modern South African Navy has three T-Craft class Coastal Patrol Vessels (IPV) - SAS Tobie (P-1552), SAS Tern (P-1553) and SAS Tekwane (P-1554). All built by T-Craft International in Cape Town, South Africa, and commissioned in June 1992, June 1996 and December 1996.

A total of six T-Craft class ships were built, three of which fell into the South African Navy and the remaining three were taken over by the Israeli Navy.

Vessel has a full displacement of 36 tons and dimensions of 22ft x 7ft x 0.9ft (L x W x H). Power comes from 2 x ADE 444 TI V12 marine diesels with 2,000 hp connected to 2 x Hamilton water jets. Top speed in ideal conditions is 32 knots, with a range of 530 miles at a constant 22 knots.

Crew of up to 16 personnel, led by an officer-ranked candidate. A 12.7mm heavy machine gun (HMG) for self-defense. The Racal Decca I-band system forms the surface search radar adaptation.

The hull is based on a catamaran design using glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP) - a layered approach to the materials involved - to provide the strength required for high speed cruising. Aft is storage space for a single Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).

The main operating room is surrounded by elements.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing